Sadly the final chapter in sitcom history closed today with the passing of actor Nicolas Smith aged 81yrs. He will be best remembered for and was the last surviving original cast member of the cult comedy series Are You Being Served. He played Mr Rumbold from 1972 to 1985, including the 1977 feature film, then in a two series spin-off of Grace and Favour shown in 1992/93.

The sad death of Nicolas Smith marks another landmark in British comedy, Steptoe, Dads Army all the actors deceased.Those comedies were compulsive Sat night viewing for my family in the 70's.

'Olive' is the only player left from On The Buses, I was saddened to read last week that Prunella Scales - Sybill Fawlty has Alzheimer's'It demonstrates how fragile life is, at least we still have re runs and DVDs to remind us of those marvellous comedies.

I think of all the AYBS actors, the one whose death I was most taken aback by was John Inman. He had a youthful energy and spirit right up to the end that made you think he would go on forever. He also didn't look his age like all the rest.